Key Takeaways
The care of your throw depends largely on its material. Whether faux fur, cotton, wool or polyester, each type requires a specific washing temperature. Here are some tips to ensure the optimal care of your throw and prolong its softness and its quality.
The brand The Oversized Hoodie® is recognized for its quality plaid sweaters , certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, non-toxic, non-chemical, 100% vegan and cruelty-free. These Hoodie Blankets, also awarded the international quality label "Confiance Textile", are ultra soft and infinitely cozy, offering excellent value for money.
Introduction
The plaid is more than just an accessory. It is our companion on cool evenings to offer a moment of relaxation at home, like the sleeved throw . This is why it deserves special attention when washing. So, at what temperature should you wash a blanket ? How to ensure its longevity ? We will explore together the world of washing blankets.
Why wash a blanket ?
Importance of maintenance
Regular maintenance of your throw guarantees not only its cleanliness, but also its durability. Indeed, the fibers of the fabric can be damaged over time and repeated use. A seasonal care ritual is therefore essential to prevent your blanket from becoming rough over time.
A first instinct would be to give your blanket a brush between two washes. This simple action can be enough to refresh your blanket and eliminate dust and hair from pets.
Preserve softness and quality
A well-maintained blanket retains its original softness, a quality that makes it irreplaceable during moments of relaxation. To preserve this quality, it is imperative to follow a few key steps.
The resistance of the fibers in your blanket is tested with each wash. To prevent it from becoming rough, opt for a delicate program and a washing temperature suited to the material of your blanket. A bag of lavender added to your laundry can also help preserve its softness.
Removal of dirt and stains
Like any other household linen, throws can accumulate dust, mites or even accidental stains. effective cleaning is therefore essential to eliminate them, especially stains on polyester.
It is important to treat stains as soon as they appear to prevent them from becoming embedded in the fibers. If you have a silk or cashmere throw, be sure to use a mild dishwashing liquid for delicate cleaning.
Also read: How to scent your laundry in the dryer ?
Define the washing temperature according to the material of the blanket
Faux fur throw
The faux fur requires delicate washing. To avoid altering its texture, opt for a gentle program at low temperature.The tumble dryer could alter its texture, so it is best to let it dry in the open air.
Using an anti-static product can help reduce static electricity on your faux fur throw. Additionally, ironing at warm iron can help maintain its softness.
Cotton throw
Cotton is a resistant material. However, to maintain the color and softness of your blanket, washing at 30°C is recommended. Be sure to use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the fibers.
Air drying is preferable for a cotton throw. Indeed, the tumble dryer could shrink the fabric and alter its softness.
Wool throw
Wool is a delicate fiber. It is best to wash it by hand or, if your machine allows it, on a specific program for wool. Using a few drops of white vinegar when rinsing can help keep the wool soft.
To dry a wool throw, avoid vigorous spinning. Prefer drying in the open air away from humidity.
Polyester throw
polyester is a less demanding material in terms of maintenance. Wash polyester at a temperature of 40°C is generally sufficient to ensure its cleanliness. But before starting the process, it is always good to check the label of the product. This simple action can give you valuable information on precautions to take to avoid damaging the fabric.
If you choose to use the tumble dryer for your polyester throw, opt for a low temperature program. This precaution will prevent the fabric from shrinking and preserve its softness. Furthermore, polyester being a synthetic material, it is recommended to avoid ironing with hot iron which could alter the fabric.
Also read: Does 100% polyester keep you warm ?
Silk throw
silk is a delicate and luxurious material that requires special care when washing. To gently clean your silk throw, use lukewarm water and mild dishwashing liquid. This combination ensures effective cleaning without damaging the material.
When rinsing the silk throw, avoid vigorous wringing which could damage the delicate fibers of the silk. Prefer drying in the open air and away from the sun to maintain the shine and softness of your silk throw.
Also read: Is silk warm ?
Cashmere throw
cashmere is a material known for its softness and warmth. To preserve these qualities, wash your cashmere throw by hand with cold water. This washing method helps preserve the delicate fibers of cashmere and ensures its longevity.
After washing, avoid any vigorous spinning which could damage the structure of the cashmere. As with the silk throw, choose air drying for your cashmere throw.You can also add a few drops of white vinegar during the last rinse to maintain the softness of the material.
Linen throw
Linen is a natural material that can shrink if washed at a high temperature. To preserve the quality and structure of the fabric, opt for delicate wash at 30°C. This washing temperature ensures effective cleaning without damaging the linen fibers.
When drying your linen throw, avoid the tumble dryer and opt for air drying. In fact, linen dries very quickly and natural drying helps preserve its softness and strength. Additionally, if you notice wrinkles on your linen throw after washing, using a hot iron can help remove them.
Fleece throw
The fleece throw is appreciated for its warmth and softness. It can be machine washed at a temperature of 40°C. This temperature ensures effective cleaning while preserving the quality of the fabric.
However, to maintain the softness of your fleece throw, avoid tumble dryer. Prefer drying in the open air, away from any direct heat source which could alter the texture of the fabric. In addition, the fleece blanket has the particularity of drying very quickly, which makes it a practical choice for regular use.
Also read: when should you wash your blanket ?
Washing tips and precautions
Reading the label
Before washing, it is essential to take a look at the label. The latter indeed contains valuable information on the precautions to take when washing. Whether it is the washing temperature, the type of program to use or the drying restrictions, the label is the guide for your throw and should be your first reflex before washing.
Washing temperature
The ideal washing temperature depends on the material of your blanket. As mentioned previously, each type of fabric has its specificities. It is therefore crucial to respect the recommended washing temperature for each material in order to preserve the quality and softness of your throw.
Washing program selection
Depending on the material of your throw, it may be necessary to opt for a delicate program. This is particularly the case for sensitive materials such as wool or silk. For other subjects, a standard program will do. Just make sure you choose a program suited to the material of your blanket.
Tumble dryer blanket for optimal drying ?
After washing, drying is a crucial step which can influence the quality of your throw. For certain materials, it is preferable to avoid the tumble dryer and to favor drying in the open air away from humidity. This drying method helps preserve the softness of the fabric and prevents shrinkage.
Also read: tumble dryer throw, good or bad idea ?
Washing frequency and regular maintenance
When to wash your plaid blanket ?
It is not necessary to wash your blanket after each use. A seasonal washing ritual is generally sufficient to ensure the cleanliness and durability of your throw. In fact, washing too frequently could damage the fibers of the fabric and alter the softness of the blanket.
Daily maintenance and tips
Between two washes, a simple brush may be enough to refresh your blanket. This action helps eliminate dust and pet hair that could accumulate on the fabric. Furthermore, if your blanket is slightly soiled, you can clean it locally with a damp cloth and a little mild dishwashing liquid.
Tips to avoid stains on your blanket
Stain prevention
Taking care of your throw also means anticipating and avoiding stains. Avoid using your blanket during meals or when handling products that may stain. If you have pets, remember to brush them regularly to avoid the accumulation of hair on your blanket.
On a daily basis, get into the habit of shaking your blanket to remove dust and other particles that could become embedded in the fibers. This simple action helps preserve the cleanliness of your blanket and extends the period between two washes.
Stain Treatment
If despite all your precautions, your blanket ends up stained, don't panic! The first reflex is to treat the stain as quickly as possible. To do this, gently dab the stain with a clean cloth soaked in a mixture of lukewarm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Avoid rubbing to avoid damaging the fibers.
For more resistant stains, you can use a specific stain remover, but always test on a hidden part of the blanket to avoid unpleasant surprises. Once the stain has been treated, you can wash your blanket as usual.
Also read: How a plaid works ?
How to store your throw ?
Throw neatly stored
When you are not using your blanket, it is important to store it carefully. You can fold it and store it in a cupboard away from dust. If you're short on space, you can also roll it up and store it in a basket or storage crate.
To preserve the quality and the softness of your throw, avoid storing it in damp places or exposed to direct sunlight. Also, do not store your blanket until it is completely dry after washing. Humidity could encourage the appearance of mold and damage the fibers of the fabric.
Using a sachet of lavender
To delicately scent your blanket and repel moths, remember to slip a bag of lavender into the cupboard where you store it.This simple and natural tip allows you to keep your blanket in the best condition and enjoy a pleasantly scented moment of relaxation every time you use it.
Also read: How to rediscover the softness of a blanket ?
Conclusion
A blanket brings a touch of comfort and warmth to your home. To preserve its quality and its softness over time, regular and appropriate maintenance is necessary. Whether it is silk, cashmere, linen, fleece, polyester, cotton, or faux fur, each material requires specific care to guarantee its longevity.
By following these care, washing and storage tips, you will be able to enjoy your throw for a long period. In addition, thanks to a seasonal washing ritual and simple daily care, your throw will remain a cozy and welcoming accessory for your moments of relaxation.
Finally, don't forget that each throw is unique and deserves the great care that you give it. So pamper your blanket as it should be, and it will reward you by offering you warmth and comfort all year round.
FAQ
At how many degrees to machine wash a blanket ?
The ideal washing temperature for a blanket depends on its material. For a cotton blanket, washing at 30°C is recommended. For a polyester blanket, a temperature of 40°C is generally sufficient. Wool, silk, cashmere and linen throws should be washed by hand or on a specific program with a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Always remember to check the blanket label for specific instructions.
How to wash a blanket to keep it soft ?
To preserve the softness of a blanket, it is recommended to opt for a delicate washing program and use a mild detergent. Avoid vigorous wringing and tumble drying which can damage the fibers and make the blanket rough. Prefer to dry in the open air. For a wool throw, using a few drops of white vinegar when rinsing can help maintain softness.
Which program to wash a blanket ?
The choice of washing program depends on the material of the blanket. For delicate materials such as wool and silk, opt for a delicate program or a specific program if your machine offers it. For cotton and polyester throws, a standard program is generally sufficient. Always check the blanket label for specific recommendations.
How to wash a pilou pilou throw ?
The pilou pilou throw, also known as the fleece throw, can be machine washed at 40°C. To maintain the softness and warmth of this type of blanket, avoid tumble drying and dry in the open air. Also make sure to use a gentle detergent so as not to damage the fibers.
Which program to wash a polyester throw ?
For a polyester blanket, washing at 40°C on a standard program is generally sufficient. However, to preserve the softness and appearance of the fabric, it is recommended to avoid tumble drying. Prefer to dry in the open air. As always, it is important to check the throw label for specific washing instructions.
Updated January 24, 2024
